Hayden Panettiere chokes back tears during heart-wrenching GMA interview over brother Jansen’s tragic death at 28
HAYDEN Panettiere has become emotional over the loss of her brother Jansen in her first interview since his death.
The 28-year-old younger brother of the actress was found dead at his apartment in Nyack, New York, last month.
Now Hayden, 33, has spoken about the tragic loss in her first interview since his passing.
“He’s right here with me,” the actress tearfully told Good Morning America‘s Michael Strahan on Monday after he offered his condolences.
FAMILY IN MOURNING
The Heroes star and her family finally broke their silence about Jansen’s devastating death on February 27th.
The Panettieres told ABC News: “Though it offers little solace, the Medical Examiner reported Jansen’s sudden passing was due to cardiomegaly (enlarged heart), coupled with aortic valve complications.”
“We sincerely appreciate the outpouring of love and support towards our family as we navigate this unthinkable loss, and ask that we be gifted our privacy during this time of mourning,” they added.
“We love you so much Jansen and you will be in our hearts forever.”
SHOCKING LOSS
TMZ broke the story that the young actor’s body was discovered inside his New York-area apartment on Sunday, February 19.
Friends expressed concerns when he was a no-show at a business meeting.
They raced over to his apartment, found him unresponsive in a chair, and did emergency CPR, but it was too late.
According to police reports, Jansen was found in his apartment “laying on his back on the living room floor, not breathing, and cold to the touch.”
“There were no obvious signs of trauma observed by the undersigned.”
The report states that Hayden and Jansen’s father, Alan, visited the scene before his son was declared dead.
A spokesperson for the local police department told The U.S. Sun at the time: “We responded to a call on February 19, 2023, at 5:03pm.
“Our detectives are currently continuing an investigation from that response, and we cannot provide further information at this time.”
TALENTED STAR
Jansen and Hayden are the children of Lesley Vogel and Alan “Skip” Panettiere.
The late star’s filmography includes The X’s, Ice Age: The Meltdown, and The Last Day of Summer.
He also had guest appearances in Even Stevens, Everybody Hates Chris, The Walking Dead, and Blues Clues.
Jansen and his older sister Hayden Panettiere were even cast together in the movies Tiger Cruise and Racing Stripes.
FRIEND’S MESSAGE
A woman named Catherine Michie, who The U.S. Sun understands had an on/off relationship with Jansen, shared her heartache on Instagram last week.
She wrote alongside a carousel of photos of the pair: “Jansen, I met you only a year ago, but you have been my best friend and biggest fan.
“I will never forget the first time I saw your face and the first things you said to me.
“Words cannot express the pain of knowing I won’t hear your laugh again.”
She continued: “I hope you find peace, and I’m sorry I wasn’t there when you needed me most. The world is better because you were in it.
“I know we will paint together again someday. I’ll always be your sugarpop. Someone wake me up and tell me this is a dream. Love you, Bubbles.”
Friends posted heartfelt comments underneath the snap, with one writing: “Extremely sorry for your loss. May you remember all the happy days.”
“I’m so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine the pain,” another added.
The U.S. Sun has reached out to Catherine for comment but did not hear back.
FINAL MOMENTS
Jansen posted a smiling photo two weeks before his death, as he and a friend posed in front of a graffiti mural tagged in Nyack, about 30 miles north of New York City.
The artist is survived by Hayden, his niece Kaya Evdokia, his mother, Lesley, and his father, Skip.